Re: (2009-05-27) NS-RFC: Paying for those groceries...

Tracy wrote:

Around here (Boston area) you can pay by check but I think you are
also getting an approval in the same manner as a credit transaction. I
would guess if the retailer has not upgraded their equipment they are
putting themselves at risk to bad check writers.

I don't pay for groceries by check but I do pay by check at the
doctor's office or dentist. In both cases, the check is run through a
scanner and an approval code appears, similar to a credit card
scanner.

I usually pay for groceries with my amex so I can get the points/miles
and I pay it off every month, so I am not carrying a balance. I use
the amex for anything I would normally pay for with cash like
groceries and gas. I think I have a couple utilities paid with amex
too. So far we've gone to Spain, San Diego and Mexico for free so it
has been worth it.

I have a check book that holds 50 checks. I've used about 10 of them in
the last five years (and none of them for food/restaurants/groceries).
I haven't seen those 'check scanners' in the supermarkets in RSA (South
Africa) - but they may well exist.

Paying by check can be expensive here for the account holder (they
charge a percentage of the amount on the check for 'processing',
depending which bank/type of account one holds) - so a lot people go
for the debit card option (a.k.a 'cash card' as Barb pointed out in
another thread) - or credit cards.

Heh. I had to make a cash deposit into my bank account a month or two
back - and my bank charged me some ridiculous amount for doing so!
Jayzuz - I'm putting (cash) money in there, not taking any out! Mumble,
mumble, grumble.... (and it's the same with all the banks 'round here -
they prefer folks to use 'on-line banking', it would seem).

As for the 'points system' when using a credit card - there are a couple
of similar schemes here, and yes, sometimes it's worth cashing them in
(pun intended).
--
Cheers
Chatty Cathy
.

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